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This is America, please order in English
Since 2005, a Philadelphia based cheese-steak bistro owner has been defending a signpost in his shop that said: "This is America, please order in English." Not surprisingly, he was taken to court on grounds of discrimination, equating it to derogatory signs like "Whites Only". No ruling has been given yet.I wrote a post earlier about how surprising I found it that people barely speak English in a big, cosmopolitan capital city like Madrid. It triggered a debate over whether it's necessary for big cities (where English isn't the first language) to have basic knowledge of English, or not.
I think it is relative. In non-English speaking metropolises, as long as the tourists put in some effort, lack of basic English may not be an important day-to-day communication hindrance, but it is definitely a disadvantage in the larger scope of things. For example: Madrid is bidding to host the 2016 Olympics -- surely the knowledge of English would play an important role there. How is China tackling that issue for next year's games? Anyway, I digress.
What do you do in an English-speaking country when your customers don't speak English? Do you put up a sign like our friend did? Hmmm, I don't think so -- it's quite an insult. The sign reminded me of when the English ruled India and the "No Indians or Dogs" sign was not uncommon. Couldn't they just be offered picture menus where they could point out what they wanted? Or what about bilingual menus?
There is an online poll on the article asking whether people approve this sign post. At this moment, of the 115,732 people who voted, 92% of them approve. Call me overly sensitive but I'm kinda shocked to see the response.
What do you think? Are signs like that acceptable?
| Yes! | |
|---|---|
| No | |
| ˇSí! |
Filed under: Activism, Food and Drink, North America, United States, News
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 30)
Tyler Dec 20th 2007 5:08AM
I can't agree more with #13 above. It's not that these subjects don't have a place on Gadling, it's that such complex topics are glossed in 4 to 5 paragraphs.
I'm sure Abha is a fine person, but the quality of articles needs to be raised to a level fitting AOL Weblogs. Many seem to have an air of political and/or moral flame.
kristin Dec 21st 2007 8:50PM
Freedom of Speech should only apply to those who are actual U.S citizens, or who are LEGAL aliens. Screw everyone else, honestly. Yes, learning a different language is extremely important not only for yourself, but to talk to other people, but it's ridiculous! I can speak spanish, french, english, a little bit of portugese, and even less creole. I usually have all of my customers covered, but the ones who come here and absolutely refuse to speak english are incompetent. If I went to Lithuania, I'd learn some lithuanian; If I went to China, I'd learn a little chinese. It's a common courtesy whether you're legal, illegal, or just visiting; Atleast show that you're trying, that's all we ask.
dstotler61 Dec 23rd 2007 2:07PM
Damn right this is America why should I have to learn a new language in order to live in my country? Speak English or go back to yoru own country. W are the only country stupid enough to cater to those who are to lazy to learn our language. They are taking our jobs and laughing at us as they do it. Can't even call customer service because you get a non speaking or understanding hispanic....I called Sprint and my call went to Costa Rica.....what a nightmare. We fight for our rights and why??
Mark Dec 23rd 2007 2:08PM
You know, I had mixed feeling on the English issue or did, until I got hired for a job and then was let go 3 days later when they had a new applicant who spoke Spanish. I lost a very good job because I didn't speak Spanish. Now I am much more on the side of if you are going to live here learn English. The company that I was hired by is a US company but has mostly Spanish employees and, it turns out, conducts most of their in house business in Spanish and felt it was easier to get rid of me than accomidate me as an English speaker.
Jennifer Dec 23rd 2007 6:53PM
Ahmen. Where can I get that sign? My family owns businesses in the states and God damn it, your in this country going to our free schools and taking advantage of our health care, speak English! Why is it fair that we have to conform? English is the national language, if people want to come here and live as Americans and take advantage of what this country offers because they feel their country offers lesser opportunities then guess what? You can't pick and choose what parts of the culture you want, you want it you have to accept it all.
T.Noble Dec 23rd 2007 2:10PM
In my opinion the owner of the restuarant has a right to let his cliental know what is expected of them before ordering anything from his menue.
He is correct in his request and if anyone feels they cannot speak english, they should have a family member or friend with them who does.
I feel if one from another country wishes to live and or resides here in America, they should learn to speak english before being allowed to do so.
PhillyGuy Dec 23rd 2007 2:17PM
OK--- you're overly sensitive.
If that is what the man wants to say he has a right to say it. You should also know that while he requests it (the sign says "when ordering PLEASE speak English" the man has never refused anyone service in 40 years for ANY reason.
Hateful? Please (insert 'rolleyes' econ here)...
d.daniel Dec 23rd 2007 2:18PM
THE VOTING SCREEN IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY!!!
THE SIGN IS PROPER THOUGH AND SHOULD REMAIN IN THE STORE. THIS IS AMERICA,PEOPLE, LIKE IT OR LEAVE. IT IS AS SIMPLE AS THAT. WHEN I GO TO MOST OTHER COUNTRIES I HAVE TO ORDER IN THEIR TONGUE OR STARVE. WE ARE LOSING OUR COUNTRY TO ALIENS AS IS AND IT NEEDS TO STOP 30 YEARS AGO AT LEAST. SAVE AMERICA AS AMERICA, NOW!!!!! WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY WANT TO COME HERE? WISE UP!!
kyle Dec 23rd 2007 2:17PM
Why should we Press 1 for English? What do we press for Italian, Swedish, German, Polish, etc? It's his store, and he has freedom of speech. If they can collect Welfare, Food Stamps, Free Housing, Medical, they should take a class in English speaking.
PSKITTY Dec 23rd 2007 9:45PM
I agree with the man and his sign. His business his right, IMHO.
An even better way to do it would to pretend the sales person did not know how to say hamburger in Spanish or Korean or Celtic, that they only understand and speak English, which whould get the point across very well without being politically incorrest. Ah, but wait. That'll force the powers to be to demand that all sales people be multi-lingual. Oh my, demands higher education for a minimum wage job.
Richard W Dec 23rd 2007 2:23PM
I totally agree with the restaurant owner. There is no reason we have to learn the language of everyone that comes into a retail store in the USA.
It's about time that as Americans, born in this country stood up to the minority in this country that wants us to do things there way. If we went to Mexico, Spain, Germany, etc., to live or as tourists, we would have to learn how to communiocate there. Those who came to this country and do not like the way things are done here, GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM. The people on Brooklyn, NY who danced in the streets at 911 should be rounded up and sent back where they came from. To celebrate that discrace is an ultimate insulte to all of us in this country.
Sheryl Dec 23rd 2007 2:19PM
"When in Rome...do as" enough said
Victoria Dec 23rd 2007 2:19PM
Ricardo, I find it hard to believe that you came from another country and have abandoned your culture. I think this is a made up post.
mary Dec 23rd 2007 2:21PM
I traveled extensively, and lived in South America for two years - and I was expected to be able to speak the local lingo, period. No accommodations were made for English - often they were excited to try their English skills, but that was rare, and refreshing. The USA is the only country I know of that tries to make such allowances for other languages. I am fluent in other languages than my native English, but I think it should be the lingua franca of the ol' USA... period. I also think it should be mandatory that we teach our young students other languages at a very young age so they can operate in a global economy... jmho.
mel Dec 23rd 2007 2:21PM
I live in California and I am sick and tired the way our country accomodates people.... This is America we speak english if you want to live here so badly then learn our language.... But our government refuses to do anything about it......
MsTaxpayer Dec 23rd 2007 2:25PM
If someone doesn't like the sign, they have the right to go somewhere else and eat. Likewise, it is his business and if he doesn't want to be forced to hire "multi-lingual" employees, that is his choice....he has posted the sign to advise those who wish to patronize his establishment that if they want to order, they need to be able to do so in English. He is breaking no law....and please don't say he is a bigot for doing, as that would be plain stupid!
Saul Dec 23rd 2007 7:33PM
My wife and I have travelled extensively. Russia and Finland this year - China, Tibet, Cambodia and Thailand last year. Except for major hotels, tour guides and restaurants, we found very little English. In some cases our host/server, etc. tried to converse with us, in many cases, they did not. We live in California, where language is a big proble. I think people who travel should expect to have language problems. Where I protest is when people who live in this country (USA) make no attempt to converse in English. I will not learn Spanish or Cantonese or Mandarin. If they want to deal with me they should learn my language.
Victoria Dec 23rd 2007 2:23PM
d. daniels... your comment about liking or leaving america is ridiculous. Also, do you forget this country is a melting pot. Ummm... since we literally stole this land from the Native Americans, perhaps, we should be learning their languages. :) So many people want to come here because they are disillusioned about what we stand for. I know several immigrants that were told one thing and came here and found us out to be something else. Since I question things about our country, this means I should leave it? Perhaps because I love this country, my questioning is to make it better. I don't believe in blindly following and accepting things. It would be an ignorant approach.
Thomas Dec 23rd 2007 2:44PM
I was visiting in northern Quebec skiing. I had two small children and was refused service in a restaurant because I could not order in French. They ALL speak English, but refuse any service unless in French. It is because of a language war in Canada
I was refused service in a hardware store in Miami because I did not speak Spanish. It seems that discriminating against English speaking Americans is OK. We are creating division by allowing a bi-lingual society to develop in the USA. Talk about a new wedge between Americans. Multilingual societies have severe social and economic division. A new segregation and discrimination is on it's way.
Brandon Dec 23rd 2007 2:28PM
I feel that it is his right to make such a simple request. This IS America and everyone here should be able to speak english. We have such a diverse population that there has to be a common language for all. It is easier for 200 people to learn one language than for one person to learn 200 languages. If a person is planning to spend time in another country they should be able to communicate effectively with the host population.